Daf Yomi, Marriage Counseling, Psychotherapy, Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, Torah and Psychology
There are halachic monetary rulings that recommend making payment for damages even if legally there is not an absolute requirement. Our Gemara on Amud Beis makes a linguistic distinction regarding the word yeshalem, “to pay.” This word would not be used in regard to something that according to the strict letter of the law has no obligation, even if there is still an extra ethical charge to take liability.
Parashas Derachim (Derush 26) notes this distinction and applies it to Boaz’s blessing to Rus (Ruth 2:12): “May GOD reward your deeds. May you have a full recompense from the Eternal, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have sought refuge!”
How could Boaz have the audacity to imply that God owes anything? The theological stance that we take is that we owe God everything for our very life, and however and whenever He chooses to bless us, that is kindness, not payment.
Bamidbar Rabbah (14:2) states:
“One who has no property but performs acts of charity and kindness; one who has no children but pays the wages of Bible teachers and Mishna teachers; one who does not have a house but prepares a mezuza; one who has no garment but prepares ritual fringes; one who has no sons but circumcises; one who prepares books and lends them to others—the Holy One blessed be He says: This one preceded and fulfilled My mitzvos before I provided him with the means to fulfill them; I must pay, give him money and children who will read these books… Another matter: ‘Who preceded Me? I will pay’ (Job 41:3)—it is speaking of Abraham, who recognized the Holy One blessed be He on his own.”
Parashas Derachim says the examples given in this Midrash are about acting and performing the will of God even without having a specific obligation. Similarly, the ending of the Midrash refers to Avraham, because in essence, being a convert, it was voluntary and without obligation. In all these cases, because they happened without obligation, the Torah allows the anthropomorphic use of the word payment, as if God is obligated, because there is a stronger merit for the reward, and so it is closer to God being obligated—though of course He is never obligated to anybody. And this is why Boaz can use this language in reference to Rus, specifically because of her choice to convert.
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Translations Courtesy of Sefaria, except when, sometimes, I disagree with the translation
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Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, LCSW-R, LMFT, DHL is a psychotherapist who works with high conflict couples and families. He can be reached via email at simchafeuerman@gmail.com